by Women’s cricket has grown significantly over the past two decades. The rivalry between India and South Africa represents an important chapter in this development.
India entered international women’s cricket in 1976 with their first Test match. South Africa started earlier in 1960 but faced a long break due to apartheid policies.
The India women’s national cricket team vs South Africa women’s national cricket team timeline began in 2001 when both teams met for the first time.
This encounter happened during the Women’s Cricket World Cup held in South Africa.
Both teams have developed different playing styles over the years. India built strength through batting depth and spin bowling, while South Africa focused on all-round capabilities.
Their matches occur in World Cups, bilateral series, and multi-nation tournaments. The contests span all three formats: Tests, ODIs, and T20 Internationals.
India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline
This article tracks their complete history from the first meeting to recent encounters.
We examine key matches, player performances, and how the rivalry developed across different cricket formats and time periods.
The Beginnings: First Encounters (2001-2010)
The two teams first faced each other in December 2001 during the Women’s Cricket World Cup. This ODI match took place in South Africa, marking the start of regular competition between them.
India had a more established cricket program at that time. South Africa was rebuilding after returning to international cricket in 1997 following their long absence.
Their early meetings happened mostly in ODI format. Women’s Test cricket was rare during this period, and T20 Internationals only started in 2005.
In the 2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup, they met again in South Africa. India won that group stage encounter with players like Mithali Raj starting to establish themselves.
South Africa struggled in these early years. Players like Mignon du Preez and Cri-Zelda Brits were building the foundation for future teams.
The matches during this period were part of World Cups or multi-nation series. Both teams were finding their place in the international women’s cricket structure.
The T20 Era Begins (2010-2015)
T20 cricket brought new dynamics to their rivalry starting in 2010. The shorter format suited aggressive batting and sharp fielding from younger players.
Their first T20I meeting happened in 2010 during a tri-series in South Africa. India won that match in a close contest between both sides.
India’s team featured Harmanpreet Kaur and Jhulan Goswami during this period. South Africa saw players like Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk emerging as key performers.
Matches remained competitive during this phase. T20Is showed balanced results between the two teams.
The 2014 T20 World Cup marked an important moment. South Africa defeated India in a group-stage match, showing their development in shorter formats.
Both teams were developing their playing styles. India focused on batting depth while South Africa built versatile all-round options.
Modern Development (2016-2020)
Women’s cricket gained more attention globally during this period. Both India and South Africa invested resources in developing their programs.
The 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup in England was significant for both teams. India reached the final while South Africa made the semi-finals for first time.
In 2018, South Africa toured India for five ODIs and three T20Is. India won the ODI series 3-1 with Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj leading batting.
The T20I series was closer, with South Africa showing improvement. Matches highlighted different strengths from both teams in various formats.
The 2020 T20 World Cup in Australia saw another key clash. South Africa defeated India in the semi-finals, knocking them out of the tournament.
This victory proved South Africa could compete at the highest level. Players like Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus delivered important performances.
India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline Test Match
Test cricket between these teams is limited due to infrequent scheduling. The longest format requires multiple days and tests batting endurance and bowling depth.
Their most significant Test encounter occurred in June-July 2024 in Chennai. This four-day match showed the technical demands of red-ball cricket.
India posted 603/6, the highest team total in women’s Test history. Shafali Verma scored 205 and Smriti Mandhana made 149 in record opening partnership.
The partnership of 292 runs demonstrated patience required in Test cricket. Batters faced over 400 balls combined building the innings methodically.
Jemimah Rodrigues added 55 runs in middle order. Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten with half-centuries showing India’s batting depth.
South Africa responded with centuries from Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus. Their batting showed resilience across multiple sessions in reply innings.
India’s bowlers led by Sneh Rana’s 10-wicket haul secured 10-wicket victory. The match lasted four days demonstrating Test cricket’s different pacing.
India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline ODI Series
ODI matches form the largest part of their rivalry history. The 50-over format balances batting consolidation with scoring acceleration.
The 2018 series in India saw performances across full 50-over innings. India won 3-1 with strong batting displays from their top order.
In 2021, South Africa toured India for five ODIs. India won that series 4-1 with consistent performances from experienced players.
The June 2024 series in Bangalore ended 3-0 for India. Smriti Mandhana broke records by scoring 343 runs in three-match series.
The first ODI saw India win by 143 runs after posting 265. Mandhana’s 117 came off 127 balls showing ODI pacing requirements.
The second ODI was closer with India winning by 4 runs. India defended 325 with Deepti Sharma’s all-round performance securing narrow victory.
The third ODI ended with India chasing down target in 40.4 overs. They won by 6 wickets completing clean sweep of series.
India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline T20I Series
T20I matches show different dynamics from longer formats. The 20-over format emphasizes aggressive batting and death bowling skills.
The 2018 T20I series in India featured quick scoring. South Africa won matches showing their strength in shorter format.
In 2021, South Africa toured India for three T20Is. They won that series 2-1 with contributions from Lizelle Lee and Kapp.
The July 2024 T20I series in Chennai was competitive. South Africa won first match by 12 runs with Tazmin Brits scoring 81 off 56 balls.
India bounced back in second T20I winning by 10 wickets. Mandhana and Shafali Verma chased down 177 in 16.2 overs without losing wicket.
The chase rate of nearly 11 runs per over showed T20 attacking requirements. Both openers scored fifties at strike rates above 170.
The third T20I was washed out due to rain. Series ended 1-1 showing balanced competition in format.
Recent Years (2021-2025)
The rivalry intensified in early 2020s with regular bilateral series. Both teams faced each other in ICC tournaments and home-away series.
The 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand featured crucial match. South Africa defeated India by 3 wickets in group stage with Wolvaardt scoring 80.
This loss affected India’s semi-final chances. South Africa advanced to semi-finals before losing to England.
The 2023 T20 World Cup hosted by South Africa saw both teams perform well. South Africa reached final for first time though they lost to Australia.
In April-May 2025, they met in Sri Lanka Women’s ODI Tri-Nation Series. India defended 276/6 in second match with Sneh Rana taking 5/43.
South Africa’s Tazmin Brits scored 109 but they fell short by 15 runs. In fifth match, India posted 337/9 powered by Jemimah Rodrigues’ 123.
South Africa fought with Annerie Dercksen (81) and Chloe Tryon (67). India won by 23 runs securing place in final.
Head-to-Head Timeline
| Date | Format | Venue | Result | Key Performances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2001 | ODI | South Africa (World Cup) | India won | India’s batting lineup performed well |
| Mar 2005 | ODI | South Africa (World Cup) | India won | Mithali Raj’s steady innings |
| Oct 2010 | T20I | South Africa (Tri-Series) | India won by 6 wickets | Harmanpreet Kaur’s batting |
| Mar 2014 | T20I | Bangladesh (T20 World Cup) | South Africa won | South Africa’s bowling restricted India |
| Feb 2018 | ODI | India | India won by 178 runs | Smriti Mandhana’s 135 |
| Feb 2018 | T20I | India | South Africa won by 5 wickets | Lizelle Lee’s fifty |
| Mar 2020 | T20I | Australia (T20 World Cup) | South Africa won by 8 wickets | Laura Wolvaardt’s 53* |
| Mar 2021 | ODI | India | India won by 9 wickets | Punam Raut’s century |
| Mar 2021 | T20I | India | South Africa won by 6 wickets | Lizelle Lee’s 70 |
| Mar 2022 | ODI | New Zealand (World Cup) | South Africa won by 3 wickets | Laura Wolvaardt’s 80 |
| Jun 16, 2024 | ODI | Bengaluru, India | India won by 143 runs | Smriti Mandhana’s 117 |
| Jun 19, 2024 | ODI | Bengaluru, India | India won by 4 runs | Deepti Sharma’s all-round show |
| Jun 23, 2024 | ODI | Bengaluru, India | India won by 6 wickets | Harmanpreet Kaur’s chase |
| Jun 28-Jul 1, 2024 | Test | Chennai, India | India won by 10 wickets | Shafali Verma’s 205, Sneh Rana’s 10 wickets |
| Jul 5, 2024 | T20I | Chennai, India | South Africa won by 12 runs | Tazmin Brits’ 81, Marizanne Kapp’s 57 |
| Jul 7, 2024 | T20I | Chennai, India | India won by 10 wickets | Smriti Mandhana’s 54*, Shafali Verma’s 52* |
| Jul 9, 2024 | T20I | Chennai, India | No result (rain) | – |
| Apr 29, 2025 | ODI | Colombo, Sri Lanka | India won by 15 runs | Pratika Rawal’s 78, Sneh Rana’s 5/43 |
| May 7, 2025 | ODI | Colombo, Sri Lanka | India won by 23 runs | Jemimah Rodrigues’ 123, Deepti Sharma’s 93 |
The IND-W vs SA-W Cricket Scorecard shows results across different formats and venues over time.
What Makes This Rivalry Important?
The India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline shows two teams with different strengths.
India has deep batting lineup with players like Mandhana, Kaur, and Rodrigues delivering consistent performances.
Their bowling features experienced players like Goswami and all-rounders like Sharma. South Africa relies on all-rounders like Kapp and Tryon for balance across formats.
South Africa’s batting has grown stronger with Wolvaardt and Brits. Their fielding standards match international requirements consistently.
India holds an advantage in ODIs based on historical results. South Africa challenges them more effectively in the T20I format.
Test cricket shows India’s strength in the longest format. Their batting depth allows building large totals across multiple days.
Matches between them are often close despite overall records. Individual performances and team strategies create competitive contests.
Both teams push each other to improve through regular encounters. Their matches contribute to the growth of women’s cricket globally.
Looking Forward
Both teams prepare for future ICC events, including World Cups. India focuses on developing young players like Shafali Verma and Pratika Rawal.
South Africa invests in players like Annerie Dercksen for future strength. Their rivalry will continue across all formats.
The competition drives both teams to raise performance standards. Future matches will feature tactical battles and individual brilliance.
Women’s cricket benefits from competitive rivalries like this one. Matches between India and South Africa attract growing fan interest.
Conclusion:
The India women’s national cricket team vs South Africa women’s national cricket team timeline spans over two decades of competition.
From their first meeting in 2001 to recent high-scoring encounters, both teams have developed significantly.
India’s batting strength and South Africa’s all-round capabilities create different match dynamics. Results vary across formats with different tactical requirements.
Key players from both sides have delivered memorable performances. Matches feature record-breaking innings, tight finishes, and strategic battles.
The rivalry reflects the growth of women’s cricket globally. Both teams invest in player development and infrastructure improvements.
As women’s cricket continues to expand, this rivalry remains important. Future encounters will showcase talent and competitive spirit from both sides.
The India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline demonstrates how international women’s cricket has evolved.
Regular matches between competitive teams drive the sport forward at the global level.
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